Plan a weekend of culture and fun: Get cheap flights to Washington D.C.

Tuesday

May 25, 2010 at 12:01 AMMay 25, 2010 at 8:00 PM

It's our nation's capital, home to myriad federal agencies, embassies and historic monuments. But Washington, D.C., is a lot more than just a city of government; it has a thriving arts scene that can compete with that of any other big city in the country.

So if you're looking for a great place to spend a long weekend, consider checking out Washington, D.C. Frequently cheap flights are available into one of the metro area's three major airports - just keep an eye on the prices online to score the best deal.

When Washingtonians decide what to do on a weekend, they've got a lot of choices. From music to theater to museums, here's a look at some of the best the city has to offer:

The National Symphony Orchestra, which is based at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts during the winter, moves outside in the summer for a series of concerts at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts in Virginia. They also play some special free shows on the West Lawn of the U. S. Capitol on several holiday weekends. With a program that includes both pop and classical concerts throughout the summer, there are plenty of opportunities to hear this internationally renowned orchestra.

How about planning your weekend around some of the great theater in Washington? If you save money on cheap airline tickets, you'll have something left over for theater tickets. Check out the schedules at a few of the local stages, many of which have national reputations:

The Shakespeare Theater Company is one of the leading venues for classic theater in the U.S. with a mission to present classical theater in an imaginative and accessible way. For the big shows, the National Theater is the place to go. One of America's oldest continually operating theaters, it features touring productions of Broadway hits. For something more offbeat, try the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company. Known for its productions of innovative new plays, it has been called Washington's "most daring theatre company."

And not to be overlooked is the Kennedy Center, which is not only home to the National Symphony Orchestra, but also hosts popular and classic theater, as well as ballet and opera productions throughout the year.

Everyone knows about the big museums on the National Mall, but how about some of Washington's lesser-known gems? Visit the Philips Collection, America's first museum of modern art, for the opportunity to view modern masterpieces by such artists as Renoir, Rothko and O'Keefe in an intimate setting. To see an extensive collection of American art, as well as a fine collection of European masterworks, visit the Corcoran Gallery, located just down the street from the White House.

Jump online and snap up some cheap flights now so you can start planning your adventure in the capital city.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.